Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 7

English Translation

The abandoning of daily obligatory acts (nityakamas) is not justifiable. Giving up that through delusion is declared to be based on tamas.

Detailed Commentary

।।18.7।। **Explanation:** The Lord describes three types of *tyaga* (renunciation) precisely because Arjuna wished to abandon actions in their very form — "It is better to live even on alms in this world" (Gita 2.5). Therefore, by describing the three types of *tyaga*, the Lord intended to warn Arjuna and, for the future, to inform all humanity that abandoning *niyata karmas* (prescribed duties) in their very form is not acceptable to the Lord. The Lord truly considers only *sattvic tyaga* as real renunciation. *Sattvic tyaga* completely severs one's connection with the world. Secondly, in the seventeenth chapter also, the Lord described three types of *shraddha* (faith), *ahara* (food), etc., according to the *gunas*. Therefore, here too, upon Arjuna's inquiry about the essence of *tyaga*, the Lord described its three kinds. *Niyatasya tu sannyāsaḥ karmaṇo nopapadyate* (Renunciation of prescribed duty is not proper) — The particle "tu" (but) here indicates that this *tamasic tyaga* is entirely contrary and utterly inferior to the definite, excellent view on renunciation that the Lord stated in the previous verse. Abandoning *niyata karmas* is never appropriate because they are essential duties. Not performing *Bali Vaishvadev* and other rituals, serving guests, offering food and *dakshina* (donations) to Brahmins during special festivals and *Shraddha-tarpan*, and not performing morning and evening *Surya-upasana* (sun worship) according to one's *varna* and *ashrama* – this is the abandonment of *niyata karmas*. *Mohāt tasya parityāgas tāmasaḥ parikīrtitaḥ* (The abandonment of such through delusion is declared to be *tamasic*) — Abandoning such *niyata karmas* out of delusion is called *tamasic tyaga*. It was necessary to attend *satsang* (spiritual gathering), assemblies, committees, etc., but one remained steeped in laziness. Forgetting to call a doctor or bring medicine for sick parents at home, skipping court attendance for a lawsuit to indulge in amusements, abandoning duties like ablution and bathing – these are all examples of *tamasic tyaga*. What is the difference between *Vihita Karma* (enjoined actions) and *Niyata Karma* (prescribed duties)? All actions commanded by the scriptures are called *Vihita Karma*. An individual cannot perform all *Vihita Karmas*. However, among *Vihita Karmas*, the duty that is essential according to one's *varna*, *ashrama*, and circumstances is called *Niyata Karma*. For example, the rules related to the *varnas* of Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra are their respective *Niyata Karmas*. The abandonment of *niyata karmas* out of delusion is *tamasic tyaga*, and abandonment for the sake of comfort and pleasure is *rajasic tyaga*. Performing *niyata karmas* by abandoning the desire for pleasure, the desire for results, and attachment makes it *sattvic*. That is, entanglement in delusion is the nature of *tamasic*, entanglement in comfort and pleasure is the nature of *rajasic*, and performing duty with a selfless attitude is the nature of *sattvic*. Only through *sattvic tyaga* is the connection with actions and their fruits severed. *Rajasic* and *tamasic tyaga* are not truly *tyaga* at all. People generally consider the abandonment of actions themselves as *tyaga* because that is what they directly observe. They do not know what kind of work a person is doing with what intention. But the Lord considers only the renunciation of inner desires (*kamana*), possessiveness (*mamta*), and attachment (*asakti*) as *tyaga*, because these are the causes of birth and death (Gita 13.21). If external abandonment alone were considered true *tyaga*, then all who die should attain liberation, for all their possessions are left behind. Therefore, inner renunciation is the true *tyaga*. With inner renunciation, whether external objects are present or not, a person is not bound by them.